Most any Sunday school class features the story of Noah and the ark at some point. The familiar words are “Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.’” (Genesis 7:1, ESV).
For many people in Albania during Communism, however, none of these things were true. The lack of this freedom directed the course of their life. For some, this reality could feel crushing; but our hope is in God, who sees the desires of our hearts and fulfills them in his perfect time.
Abdul was unfamiliar with the good news of Jesus until a friend shared it with him. He recalled, “This message stuck to my heart, and I thought about it for weeks and continued to meet him.” Every time they met, Abdul had more questions for his friend, and his longing to know more grew.
Hasina was only 10 years old when her mother suddenly passed away. Caring for her younger sisters fell to her while their father was busy working and providing for the family. Hasina became her sisters’ mother, essentially, even helping with arranging their marriages before she finally married herself.
When our partners in India first met Saanvi* in March 2021, they could clearly see the cruel marks of oppression etched into every crease of her face. Her expressions were grim more often than not, but truthfully, her life had given her little to smile about.
